5 things you can only experience in Norway

Reindeer migration in Finnmark

Every year, the Sami people in Finnmark move their reindeer herds from their winter pasture to summer pasture – and then in the opposite direction a few months later. The journey takes a couple of weeks and is considered something of an adventure, even by the Sami families themselves, that traverses beautiful landscapes. Even though the Sami people have snow scooters and four-wheelers today, it’s still hard work. In the fall, the reindeer are also herded into pens to be marked, they still use the traditional way of cutting a notch in the ears of the calves. The reindeer migration has always been out of reach of most travelers, but tour companies Turgleder and Engholm Husky Design Lodge now offer trips to watch. Don’t expect luxury accommodation, you’ll be sleeping in a Sami tent or camper van. But you are guaranteed freshly prepared reindeer meat and stew for dinner and be expected to help in the demanding work.

Hike Romsdalseggen

Besseggen is possibly the most famous of the demanding hikes in the Norwegian mountains, but Romsdalseggen has now become the new hike to boast about. You now get 18,200 Instagram hits for Romsdalseggen. And what amazing images you can post. From the summit, you’re in the box seat to view the Romsdal mountains with Trollveggen, Romsdalshorn and Vengetindene. The 10km walk along Romsdalseggen ridge climbs to 1,329m at the highest point, but can be tailored to different degrees of difficulty. A selfie on Rampestreken viewing platform is a must. There are several places to stay overnight in the area.

Sleep in a hammock on Fløyen

There are plenty of luxury hotels in Bergen we could recommend. But if you want fresh air, rosy cheeks and the best view of the city at a price that’s affordable for most, we recommend going hammocking on the mountain side in Fløyen. PS: Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before setting off on this adventure.

Helgelandstrappa

The newly opened Queen Sonja Helgeland Steps takes you to the top of 818m high Øyfjellet in Vefsn.“It's a feat of engineering. It winds through the landscape and turns back on itself in several places, and manages to master the very steep slopes it encounters. It’s a feat of engineering,” Geirr Vetti, who runs the company that has constructed the steps, Stibyggjaren, says to Nrk.noThe steps were laid by hand by hired mountain path builders from Nepal. And there are still 300 steps remaining to be built. The steps will then be the longest in Norway. You may well feel some lactic acid in your legs after climbing the steps, but don't worry, you can take the zipline back down to Mosjøen.

Helgelandstrappa

Pilgrim trail

Most people have heard of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But there’s also a pilgrim trail in Norway, that leads to Nidaros Cathedral. There are several routes, all offering beautiful nature and historic locations. The longest is Gudbrandsdalsleden, from Gamle Aker Church in Oslo via Hadeland and the spectacularly beautiful Gudbrandsdalen, to Trondheim, which stretches 643km. There are 160 places to stay overnight along the way and many pilgrim centers that offer guidance.